Basophilic stippling

Basophilic stippling of erythrocytes (as illustrated diagrammatically below) is a non-specific finding which an American study suggests occurs in around 25% of medical inpatients. 

The classical conditions associated with basophilic however are 

• Lead poisoning 
• Sideroblastic anaemia
• Thalassemia

References 

Cheson, B., Rom, W. and Webber, R. Basophilic stippling of red blood cells: a nonspecific finding of multiple etiology. Am J Ind Med. 1984; 5(4): 327-334. (abstract only) 

Lynch, E. Peripheral blood smear. In:Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 155.